Y2K EFFORTS NOW FOCUS ON CALMING CONSUMERS

WASHINGTON -- The great unknown of the year-2000 problem, and potentially its most troublesome aspect, is how consumers will behave as 1999 draws to a close. Most industry groups and government bodies believe the food-industry's supply chains will be able to keep stores stocked, despite fallout from potential computer failures.If people gripped by "Y2K panic" stockpile or hoard food and other necessities,

WASHINGTON -- The great unknown of the year-2000 problem, and potentially its most troublesome aspect, is how consumers will behave as 1999 draws to a close. Most industry groups and government bodies believe the food-industry's supply chains will be able to keep stores stocked, despite fallout from potential computer failures.

If people gripped by "Y2K panic" stockpile or hoard food and other necessities, however, they could empty store shelves more effectively than a faulty computer